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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

A creamy, cheesy, and comforting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce baked to bubbly golden perfection. Quick and easy to make, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying family dinners.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta

Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Toppings

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling your pasta in salted water until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear them in a skillet with olive oil until golden and cooked through, then slice or shred into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Sprinkle in parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and additional Italian herbs.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Mix the cooked pasta and chicken into the creamy sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece evenly. Then transfer everything into a greased baking dish.
  5. Add Cheese Topping and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella (and extra parmesan if you like) on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a brighter, richer flavor than powders or pre-minced options.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta just until al dente since it finishes baking in the oven, avoiding mushy results.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Let cheeses and cream come to room temperature before baking for better melting.
  • Layer Flavors: Brown the chicken well for a deeper savory taste in the final dish.
  • Test Seasoning: Taste your sauce before baking to adjust salt and herbs as needed.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Contains Dairy, Not Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake, cheesy chicken pasta, baked pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, creamy garlic pasta